Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of summer with this Heirloom Tomato Flight. Featuring ripe tomato slices topped with a variety of delicious combinations, it’s a fresh and colorful appetizer perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
• Flaky salt, generous sprinkle on each slice
• 1 teaspoon basil pesto (or any pesto)
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• Hot pepper oil, drizzle as much as you’d like
• 2 slices Coppa (or prosciutto)
• 1 slice Fior di latte cheese (any mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon crushed pistachios (or walnuts)
• Hot honey, drizzle as much as you’d like
• 1/2 cup baked feta egg salad (or any egg salad of choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice a ripe heirloom tomato into thick rounds and sprinkle each slice with a pinch of flaky salt to enhance the natural flavor.
2. Step 2: Prepare the toppings and assemble the flight as follows:
3. Step 3: Flight 1: Spread 1 teaspoon basil pesto on a tomato slice, top with cottage cheese (or ricotta), and finish with a drizzle of hot pepper oil.
4. Step 4: Flight 2: Place a slice of Coppa or prosciutto on the tomato, add crushed pistachios or walnuts, and drizzle with hot honey.
5. Step 5: Flight 3: Spoon a generous amount of baked feta egg salad (or your favorite egg salad) onto a tomato slice.
6. Step 6: Arrange the topped tomato slices on a platter and serve immediately for the freshest taste. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for extra color and flair.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant appearance.
• Substitute pesto with sun-dried tomato spread or tapenade for a different taste.
• Try different nuts like almonds or pecans if you prefer over pistachios or walnuts.
• To keep the tomato slices from getting soggy, assemble just before serving.

Storage

Because this dish features fresh tomatoes and soft toppings, it’s best enjoyed immediately. If needed, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reassemble toppings fresh before serving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, any firm, ripe tomato works well, but heirloom tomatoes offer the best flavor and color variety for this dish.

What if I don’t have hot pepper oil?

You can substitute with a drizzle of chili oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or omit it altogether if you prefer no heat.

Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Heirloom Tomato Flight is a vibrant and fresh appetizer featuring thick slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes topped with a selection of flavorful and textural combinations. Each tomato slice is enhanced with flaky salt and then adorned with either basil pesto and creamy cottage cheese, savory Coppa with crunchy pistachios and sweet hot honey, or a generous scoop of rich baked feta egg salad. This no-cook recipe is perfect for a light snack or elegant starter, highlighting the natural sweetness and juiciness of heirloom tomatoes paired with complementary toppings to excite your palate.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings (3 tomato slices with different toppings) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato Base

• 1 heirloom tomato, sliced into thick rounds
• Flaky salt, generous sprinkle on each slice

Flight 1 Toppings

• 1 teaspoon basil pesto (or any pesto)
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• Hot pepper oil, to drizzle

Flight 2 Toppings

• 2 slices Coppa (or prosciutto)
• 1 teaspoon crushed pistachios (or walnuts)
• Hot honey, to drizzle

Flight 3 Toppings

• 1/2 cup baked feta egg salad (or any egg salad of choice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Slices: Slice a ripe heirloom tomato into thick rounds, about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring even sizing for uniform presentation. Lightly sprinkle each slice with flaky salt to enhance and draw out the tomato’s natural sweetness and flavor.
2. Assemble Flight 1: Top some of the tomato slices with 1 teaspoon of basil pesto followed by a generous 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or ricotta. Finish with a delicate drizzle of hot pepper oil to add a subtle spicy kick, balancing creaminess with heat.
3. Assemble Flight 2: On other tomato slices, place a slice of Coppa or prosciutto. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of crushed pistachios or walnuts over the meat for crunch and nuttiness. Drizzle hot honey over the top to introduce a contrasting sweet heat that complements the savory elements.
4. Assemble Flight 3: For the final set of slices, spoon a generous 1/2 cup of baked feta egg salad or your preferred egg salad onto each tomato slice. This adds a rich, creamy texture and a tangy, satisfying flavor.
5. Serve: Arrange all the topped tomato slices neatly on a serving platter. Optionally, garnish the platter with fresh herbs or microgreens for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and optimal texture.

Notes

• Use ripe, firm heirloom tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Flaky salt enhances the sweetness and juiciness of tomatoes without overpowering the toppings.
• Substitute basil pesto with any pesto variant like sun-dried tomato pesto or cilantro pesto for flavor variation.
• For a vegetarian option, use only the pesto, cottage cheese, and egg salad flights, omitting the Coppa.
• Adjust the amount of hot pepper oil and hot honey to your preferred spice and sweetness levels.
• Serve immediately after assembling to prevent tomatoes from becoming soggy.

Keywords: heirloom tomato, tomato flight, appetizer, no-cook, basil pesto, egg salad, hot honey, Coppa, cottage cheese, baked feta egg salad